NEWPORT County AFC renew acquaintances with John Sheridan at Meadow Lane today when they go up against their former boss for the first time since he left Rodney Parade back in January.

But while Sheridan is a very familiar face to Exiles supporters, the Notts County chief is also someone that current Newport supremo Graham Westley has done battle with countless times in the past.

Earlier this week, baseball giants New York Yankees quashed reports they were involved in talks to take over the Magpies, recognised as the world’s oldest football club playing at a professional level.

However, the Nottingham Post understands that Joseph Molloy, the Yankees’ managing partner for 10 years, is leading a consortium looking to buy the League Two outfit from owner Ray Trew.

All talk of a possible takeover won’t be of any interest to Newport and Westley, as he and his players look to throw Sheridan’s men a real curveball this afternoon (kick-off 3pm).

Westley’s charges have certainly stepped up to the plate of late, going six matches unbeaten in all competitions and taking significant steps towards preserving their Football League status.

“They are in a good vein of form at the moment," said Sheridan about his former club.

“They have a manager who is an excellent appointment for where they are at this moment in time.

“I think he will get them out of there and they’ll be safe come the end of the season.

“He knows these leagues, he knows what is required and that’s why I am expecting a really tough game.

“They’ve produced some good performances and they were excellent against Carlisle.

“I am not taking anything for granted. They will be tough to break down. They are fighting for their lives, but they are going the right way about it.

“He will have them working hard and Graham’s a good manager. They are organised and they’ll be difficult from set plays too.”

Notts are only outside the play-off places on goal difference but have won just once in their last six league fixtures, though, like Newport, they also beat non-League opposition in an FA Cup replay this week.

“We’ve met many times over the years,” said Westley about Sheridan. “He goes about playing against my sides in a certain way. He speaks a certain talk and we’ve met and crossed swords.

“He’s an experienced manager. He’s been around for a while now, he’s been at different clubs and he is where he is and he’s doing what he’s doing.

“People here talk highly of the job he did in improving standards. Flynny (Mike Flynn) worked with him and talks well of the job he did here.

“He’s an experienced manager and he knows the game of football. He’s been around the game of football and I wouldn’t underestimate anybody.

“He’s a manager who’s won his way out of this league in the past so you can’t underestimate that.”